Selector-switch.



H. G. WEBSTER.V

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APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4 ISIS.

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SELECTOR SWITCH.

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SELECTOR SWITCH. i APPLICATION msu SEPT. 4. m5.

ll l M l I4 l c Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

I SHEETS-SHEET @www o u 1 L L w mmf ai 35 s, E E c E @ff 2, w? j 1 w H @671666651 Inman/fn?" f :V l A] A407 4m lHARRY G. WEBSTER, 0F CHICAGO, ILLIN 01S;

SELECTOR-SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 3, 191s.

Application led September 4. 1915. Serial No. 48,960.

7b ald citant t may concern.'

Be it known thatl LIHARRY G. WEBSTER, a citizen of ,the United States, residing at Chicago. in the county of Cook and State'of Ill inois,` have .invented a certain new and nsefnllmprovement in Selector-Switches, of which the following is al full, clear,V concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

This inventlon relates to improvements in electric-switch mechanisms of that general type in whicha lrelativelydarge number of contact-.devices is associated wthtwo sets of actuating-members, so arranged that any de- Vsiredwone of; the contact-devices may be actuated bythe conjoint dis lacement of an appropriate actuating-mem er of each set. As hereaillustrated, the invention is emf ployecl asalineiswtch or trnnk-finder-in a teleph'onefegtcliange system, but it is vobviouslrL adapted for. other uses.

Tre. prlncpwa'l iobjecgtvof,this invention is to 1Aprovidera; selector-.switch mechanism of ventionQ will appear tl1e. ,;haracter`aboive indicated, in which the circuit-terminals may be relatively-rigid contactpiece's assembled in removable banks relative v distant from the actuating-bars or shafts; notherobjet. is the provision of a Vi1 iechanism suchlthat connection between incomingr'and.outgoing"line-terminals may be effected byathesimultaneous movement of the -afp'pro riate` pair ofactuatngmembers. Furti-her o jects. of the invention .consist in theprovision of means for preventing act ua-V tion"4 at any? onetime ofmore than one switchingdevice 'forlany one line ort-rank, in the pljotflflllg fffin roved means for restoringthe switchingf evices to normal. and inzthe provision ofa mechanism characterizedby.actuating-barsfxor shafts less in numberihainthelineor trunk-circuits controlled turey-1 1 Qtl'ler objetsNand advantages of the inthis description pro- ."3 Il, il.. i ai.' ii ,In previous switclung-mechanisinsf of the general ntype,aboves'pecifid'. gals, l for exarfri-` ple-n in Ethatldiscl nited States Patr" ent No. 1213.9,722Lwissned to .LX Reynolds on MayvlSthQlm ofiintersectirig'bais, one. fo each incoming an(` v :one fior `eaclrol l'f fpigoviderl.A b, togethejlli with groups,loigresilientL metal 'stripslczllcl conl tactsetslocatednft or; adjacent to the points of 'intersection of the bars. The fari-angeyany one zof a plurality are normally ontA bf eijgh l l1-vices corresynmd ment is such that any contact-set is capable of operation upon conjoint displacement in definite order of the two bars which inter sect in the locality of that contact-set. The contact-sets are maintained actuated by the continuing displacement of the last-actuated one of the two bars, and are restored-to normal by their own resiliency on the release of thelast-actuated bar.

As contrasted with this arrangement, I do not employ the self-restoring contaotsets, but instead provide :switching-devices adapted to be adjusted Aand remain in either of two alternate ositions. Each incoming line is provide with as many olf these switching-devices as there are out oing lines; or, conversely, each ontgoing line is provided with as many of these switching devices as there are incomin lines. For one group of lines, which may e either the incomme group or the outgoing group. I Vrovide bars or shafts, one or each ine, adapted. when actuated in one direction. to cooperate in theractuation of one of the .switchingalevices pertaining to its line; and when actuated in the opposite direction to restore any previously-actuated on'e of said switching devices. For the other group of lines. outgoing or incoming, as the casemay be. I pro ber than the lines in said group, displaceable under control of the individual lines of the group to coperate with one of the bars or shafts first mentioned in causingY actation of that particular switch responding alike to that line movable member and Ito that line to which the. actuated first-mentioned bar or shaft pertains. The movable members may bek in the-form of bars or plates, and each carries engagement pieces corresponding in number to that of the lines to which the first-mentioned bars or shafts pertain. The movable member carnving the' engagement-pieces is adapted for adjustment ing device cot- 'of electro-magnets' vide movable members less in numl' v controlling the loo corresponding each' toa dilfei'ii'lineits" fcas' of v'cach line?"Theengagement-pioes '.adjusted position being` differentv in 4the "i lob justifient [of 'the movable"mtntierare each?" lrougiitftofposition tocoiipeate with one' thc first-meut:fined ing yt'lw Yactuation t electro-magnet has been energized.' Follwtmore satisfactory ing the actuation of the switching-device, the actuated bar or shaft and the movable member' carrying the engagement-pieces both restore to their normal position, While the switching-device remains m its actuated position.

The switching-device which I employ may be any suitable type of non-restoring switch. In the form I have illustrated the switching-devices comprise groups ofshort, relatively-rigid terminal-strips, mounted side by side in a row or bank distant from the bars or shafts@y Associated with` these terminals are groups` of bridging contactmembers-or brushes, normally out of engagementv with said rigid terminals but adapted, on actuation, to engage and electrically connect pairs of said rigid terminals. Each group of bridging contact-members is provided with an actuating handle sion projecting tb position in rmediate of the point of intersection ofulhe bars or shafts with the movable members, but in posit-ion for actuation by an engagementpiece pertaining to its respective line.

By thus locating the contact-members ofthe switching devices at a distance from the bars or shafts I secure permancncy, of. contact adjustment, ease of -accessibility, and electrical contact than has heretofore been possible in` selector switches of this general type. In the preferred form here described any one of the switching- .devices may be actuated through the conbar or shaft, and a joint displacement ofa movable member car Ting the engagement pieces, regardless of the se uence in which the displacement occurs. his is` accomplished by making the engag' ment-pieces as well as the engaging or shafts, of such formation that the handle or extension of the switching-device wi engaged and actuated by the engagementpiecev in its nal actuated position regardless of vthe order of displacement. As a result I secure grea't positiveness of operation and great flexibility in the mattei' of controlling circuits which may be employed. As here illustrated, the controlling circuits are such that the displacement of the movable meinbers occurs simultaneously with that of the bar or shaftunder one'condition of use, and under other conditions of use may occur in either order of succession.

For a more complete disclosure reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure .1 is an elevatiom parts'broken away, illustrating nism of one embodiment lof' my the mechainvention Fig. 2 is a plan view of themechanism of Fig. 1 taken on line A- A looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figs. 3 and el are details of the of Figs. land 2;

mechanism ,or ,trunk-selector in a or extening lines, which may b tacts are multipled horizontally.

surfaces of the bars.

ll be- 'slittecL and ugs are struck with .certain messes Fig. 5 is an elevation in partial cross-section illustrating a modified form of the mechanism of my invention;

6 is a detail of the mechanism trat in Fig. 5; and n Fig. 7 is aplan view of this mechanism looking in the direction of the arrows on the line B-B.

Figs. 8, 94 and 10 together constitute a diagram showing illusin detail the electrical controlling circuits and mechanism of the embodiment of my invention as a line-switch telephone-exchange system. l The switching-mechanism shown in Figs.

1 to 4- has'a trame-work built up of the four,

angle-iron posts or pillars 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are connected at top and bottom in a sidewise direction by the angle-bars 5, (i, 7 and 8. The angle-bars 6 and 'T are connected by a number of plates 9, and the angle-bars 5 and 8 atthe bottom of the frame are connected by a similar number of plates 10, which are shown more clearly in Fig. 2. The plates 9 may be combine into a single plate mechanism from dust.

like. l In Figs. 1 and 2 I have illustrated switching-mec for three outgoing lines, which may be' like, are arranged vertically, they are multipled vertically.

e trunk-lines, are arthe con- 'I'he in- 11,12 and 13 are ianism for four incoming lines and lines. The incoming tele-phonel lines, or the that isto'say,

ranged horizontally, that is t'o say coming line, terminals arranged alternately with outgoing-line contacts 14, 15 and 16, and in this manner are mounted in blocks of insulation 17, secured to reimovable plates 19, which in turn for protecting the switchmoisture, and t e The outgoare mountedA upon angle-bars 20` and 21,

spectively. he edges of 4the plates 19 are up from the slit form. retaining lugs 22, as shown in Fig. 3. The plates 19 'may be maintained in proper position by cotter-pins 23, `which pass through registering* apertures? in the plates 19 and the side angle-bars 20 and 21. Il can be seen that -the plates can be slid o .ut

secured to u-prights 2-3 and 1-.4, re-

portions to When the plates to the switching-devices.

place, they are 19 are shoved back into 4 from the. racks to ymake inspection or repairs u stopped by abutment-members, such' for 1nstance., as the-pin 24:, which' is mounted .on the angle-bar 21, or .the angle-brackets 25, which support Vthe 'restoring ma et 26 Above the incoming and outgoingine terminals of each dummy or dead contact pairs 30, 31 and 32 are mounted. When the switching-mechanism is in non-connecting position tie dead contacts 30, 31 and 32 receive the split springset of switching-devices' its arms 33. 34 and 35 of the non-normalinpr switching devices. The` split arms 34 andV 35, which 'are 4built up of strips of spring metal secured in a block of insulation are adapted. when moved to their actuated position. to interconnect the contact-pairs 1114. 12-.15 and 13-16 The block of insulation 36, which bears the bridging arms. is mounted for rotation or oscillation upon a bearing or saddle-member 37. which is stamped out of sheetnnetal. The sheetn1etal saddle 3T has downwardlybent lugs 38 for formingr the bearingsl of the saddle upon the bearinU-rod 39. which is held by suitable spring clips and 41 upon the base-plate 19. The yoke 37 is provided with an actuating tail orbhandle 42, by means of which the same is ,oscillated A pairl of stops or lugs 43 and 44 are stamped from the metal, these stops reventing excessive movement of the sadd e-mcmber and thus preventingr the switching-devices from being moved too far in either direction of movement. The saddle 3T preferabl)Y has a number of ears 45 bent up from the edges order to embrace the insulating block 36. The tail or handle-'member 4:2 of each one of the switching-devices extends beneath a common operating bar or plate I46. which is provided with pairs of spurs4 47 and 4S .facing toward each other 'and having their upper edges at av distance below the lower surface of the bar 46. These spurs 47 and 4S lie directly hack of the handle 42 of the ncn-normaling switch-devices. The bar 46. which bears the spurs 47 and 4S, is slipported by radial arms 49. which are secured to the shaft 50. Ther shaft 50 is supported in suitable bearings 51 and 52, and is adapted to be oscillated by the armaturemcmber 53, which is subject to the infiuence of the magnets 26 and 2T. which are related lo the outgoing lines. The magnet :26 is Vadapted to swing the armature 53 in a counter-clockwise direction. as viewed in Fig. 1. while the magnet 2T tends to turn the shaft in the opposite direction. A pair ot' springs 54 and 551 bear upon a cam extension .361

and tend to bring the shaft 5() and the connerted mechanism to the neutral position. as shown in Figs. 1 and ll'hen the restoring* umgnet 26 is energized the bar 46 is depressed and strikes the tail 42 of an) of the non-normalineV switching devices to move the 55 rontart-arms 2&3. 1&4 and 235 trom the circuit rlosingposition. where these arms rest upon ther vdead contacts llt). 31 and 3'2. llvlien vnl)v the connecting' magnet 2T is energized normoveuient of the switchingt-devices is thereby caused. inasmuch as there is no dirert connection between the liar 46 and the hiunllesol' tails 4:2.01g the vvitellingalevirw.

-ln order tosecure a connection between ille ol'ierntingand restoring bar`46 and the handles 42u11' the respective .switching-dcbar 56, which has a bearing at 57 intop plate 9, and a bearing 58 in bottomplate 10. The multiple operating lilik 55 normally stands in neutral position between the spurs 47 and 48. so that movement of the bar 46 does not affect tlielink 55. The bar 56 is normally held in neutral position b v a pair of springs 59 and 60. which bear against `the flat portion o the bar 56. as shown at the top of Fig.'

1. The bar 56 is preferably made of T-shapcd material, so as to provide suitable means for attaching the various operating links, and the other mechanism connected to these vertical bars. Each Vertical bar 56 is subject to the action of a pair of electromagnets 61 and 62, having an armature-member 63 connected to it and lyingr between the two electromagnets. The electroanagnet 61 is connected to one of the incoming` lines, and the electro-y magnet 62 is connected to another incoming lr line. Each magnet can exercise a control over the common operating link 55. t

lThe outer endof the operating link 55 is formed into a broad plate 64 having sharp edges on each side. so that the same may cooperate with the inclinedfaces of the spurs 47 and 48. which are connected to the operating and restoring bar 46.

The relation of the plate 64 and the spurs 47 and 48 is shown in Fig. 4. The edge of. the handle or tail 42 of each of the switchingdevices is provided with aA small. upturned lug 66 adjacent the plate 64. The lngr 66 projects through an openingr 67 in the actuating and restoring bar 46. in order to prevent the sharp-edged plate 64 from beingthmist between the handle 42 and the bar 46..l Y,

It will be apparent from the above construction that the operation of a particular switching-device to close circuit is dependent upon the movement of the cross-bar 46 upward. and movement of the multiple operating link 55 sidewise. Itisunimportant ilo The line-magnets 61 a nd 62. which operate the controlling-bar 56. control contacbpairs GQ and tflwespectivelv. These contact-pairs are adapted to he closed by movement. of the normaling springs 59 and 60. which are rocked when the magnets 61 and 62. respecf Y tively, are energized to move the controllingbar 56 and the operating links 55 connected thereto.

I shall' now describe, with the aid .of the diagrams ofFigs. 8, 9 and 10, the preferred form of circuit arrangement for use in connection with the switching-mechanism above described.

The As'lib-station instruments shown dia.-

, grammatically in Fig. 8 at the station 70 are side of the line through the cut-ott contact 78 of the cut-off relay 79. The tip side of the line 80 is connected through the contactv 81' to ground. It can now be seen that, when the subscriber yat the sub-station 70 closes the line-circuit by bridging the telephone instrument across the line, the line relay 75 will be energized by current flowing from the battery 76 through the cut-off contact 78 over the sleeve side of the line 77 through the sub-station instruments and back to round over the tip side of the line through the cutoff, contact 81. The armature 82 of the line relay 75 is normally connected `by means of the wire 85 to the armature contact 86, which rests against the grounded back contact 87 of the group controlling relay 88. The armatures 82, 89, 90 and 91 of the line relays of the group of lines are normally connected in closed controlling circuit, which may be tra ed from `ground Gr contact 87 through the armature contact 86 of the relay 88, Wire 85. armature 82 of the line relay 7 5 of line 71. and then through the back contact ot each relay to the succeeding armature-contact, to wire 92, and thence in parallel through starting relay 101 by way of Wire 102 and through the time-limit relay 93 to common grounded battery. Then thelinemagnet 75- of line 71 is energized, the armature 82 is drawn against the front contact 83, thus breaking the normallyclosed circuit for the time-limit relay 93. which will retain its plunger 94 in raised position for a predetermined length of time after the circuit is broken. If this length of time is exceeded the plunger 94 will drop and will close the contacts at the springs 95 and 96 to set into action alarm-mechanism and auxiliary rectification apparatus. Aattraction of the armature 82 against the front contact 83 closes a circuit through the wire 97, the line-magnet 61, to the common battery-Wire 98, through the main battery switch 99. to the common grounded battery.

Assume that the magnet 61, which is energized over the above-traced circuit, is that tact 69 and the grounded spring 60 upon the wire 85 and by contact 68 upon the Wire 100,

which is connected to the group-controllingrelay 88,' energizing said relay 88 and moving the armature from contact with the grounded spring against its front contact to lmake the energization of the trunk connecting Vmagnet dependent upon energization oE the line magnet as will be later described. The magnctl is locked up over the circuit closed at the grounded contact 60, wire 85, armature 82 of the line rela 75, front contact 83, `wire 97, winding of t e relay G1, and battery wire 98. The noi'ma-lly-closcd chain circuit which is formed through the armatures 8:2, 89, 90 and 91 and serves as part of the circuit of .the line `magnets (i1-62, serves also a part of the normally-closed circuit of the outgoing lines group starting relay 101 (see Fig. 9) which is connected by wire 102 to the wire 92 and then through the series chain circuit .to ground. Then the armature 82 of tlu` line magnet 75 is attracted, the circuit of' both relays 93 and 101 is broken. The relay 101 immediately releases its armature 103 to make contact with'the back contact 104` but the relay 93, being controlled by an adjustable time-limit mechanism 105, does not close its circuit at once.

denergized by operation of a line-magnet,

lthe grounded armature 103 closes a circuit for the connecting magnet 27 of the first outgoing-line circuit which is not busy. This circuit may be traced from the grounded armature contact 103. back contact 104. man` ual controlling switch 106, armature Contact '10T 'of the busy trunk relay 108. back coutact 109, armature 110 of the private trunk relay 111. through the back contact 112, through the connecting magnet 27. and to grounded battery. Assume that the connecting magnet 27 shown in Fig. 8 is the one shown at the upper right-hand corner i.1 Fig. 1 and in Fig. Q. nergization of this magnet swings the bal' or shaft A50 about its axis in a clockwise direction, raising the spur 47 with it and swinging the blade or plate 64 of the multiple operating link 55 upward with it and thereby engaging the handle or tail 42 of the adjacent switchingdevice, which, in the diagram of Fig. 8, is tbe one in the upper left-hand corner. The bridging spring contact-pieces 33, 34 and 35 'then close the Contact pairs 11-14, 12-15 and 13-16 to connect the incoming line 71 senss with theoutgoing line, in )this casey the cordcircnit The cutoff-relay 79 for the line '4111s' energized to disconnect 'the l line from be lille-re y from oundat theY terminal of relay 79,

throgr 12 in 'the switching-device 1A, bridging con;i tact34 contact 15 of the private wire 113 through the Windin of the/private trunk re lay 111 to rounded battery. Energization of the trun private relay 111 partially prepares a circuit for the restoring magnet 26 by closing the armature 114 against the front contat-,11115, and at the same time draws the l5 other armature 110 against the front contact 116, thereby breaking the circuit for the connecting magnet 27 and for the guarding -elay 118, which was energized simultane- 011.513Z 'with the connecting ma net 27. The 2Q function of the yguarding re ay 118 is to *breakr in forward irection the circuit that is formed for theopeifating relay 26 of the dii?-` frent'lsivitchi'ng ldevices. This is done so that sivi'tchiii'g over of the control circuit 2'5" from 'one .trunk t0 the next Win ocmw ai b 'rief period afterthe actual connection be tween the last 1trunk and the incoming line is made.,` c ,c 'The' holding up lof the armature 119 fora 3'@ brief period produces a distinct pause bctween the connection of an incoming line with an idle trunk and the connection of another incoming line with the next idle trunk, thus positively preventing simultaneous connection of'two lines to asingle trunk and preserving an orderly sequence under all onditions.

The relay 118 is slow-acting and releases its armature 119 to close contact with the 40 back contact 120 only after thewrmature 11() of the private relay 111 is attracted. This allows suiiicient time for the non-normaling switching devices`1^, 2^, 3^, etc., to operate -and the various parts to be brought to the is'normal condition before the operatingr circilitfor one of the circuit-connecting magnts27 can again be closed. This allows the line-magnet 61 `to'release and the multiple i operating link which has been employed to effect the connection to be restored to its neutral or normalF osition, so that if the next'calling line 72 as as a line-magnet the magnet'62,` it Willbc able to command the controllingbar 56 and the multiple operat- SK- ingllinl :connectsed thereto. A

'Assopn as the .switching device is movedi tothe connecting position battery is fed out` over thetrunk tothe substation by Way ofV thefolltving circliV ground at Vbattery B, T60' winding 121fpfthe supervisory relayf122, sle'eigczside 124 ofgthe trunk'A. through the hridgi'ngf 4contact; sleeve side of the @line 'if',1 tliro1gl `tl`1'c" -il'ibstation instruments atA y the substation back over the tip side of the line' so; ummgh uw bridging moet a5,Y

ay yover the following circuit:

sli

over the tip side of thetrunk 12,55 through the winding'123 of thel supervisory relay 12 2`, and to ground( 'Thesupervisoryrelay 122 is vdiereby energized and the,releasey wliihfis formed throu h its armature 126 7d broken i a hd thge Eaiiii 'atti A15eE i colti" :iccted by Way of front contact to the circuit, of the release-retarding relay 127. At the i same time the armature 128 closes a circuit by way of its front contacts and through the 75 back contacts 131 of thearmature 132 of the4 busy trunk relay 108 forv the lamp Si nal 129, which serves as a line signal or cal ing signal. As soon as the line signal 129 is energized the operator connects her-telephone s0' set to the trunk in' the )yell-known mannen. and upon receiving an order for afconnection from the subscriber atthe substation T05, completes the connection byA inserting the' plug 4133 in the multiple `jack'oi. the desired 85" lne. A y

Assume that the connection desired 'is with the line 74. The operator inserts the wplug 133 in the jack J* and iapplies ringing cure4V rent in the Well-known manner@l nsertionso of the plug 133 closes a circuit for the third wire relay 108 of the trunk andV at 'the same' time energizes the cut-oil' relayr134, 'which is connected in the third Wire 135 of that lille. This circuit may be tracedlfro'm the vground 95 'A at battery,`tlirough thcwindin A of the busy trunk relay 108, third strand o the cord 136,

.through the plug 133 and the jack J* to they third wire 135 of the line, through the cui;` oil' relay 134 and to ground. v y When the busy trunk relayy108 is ener-, gized, the chain circuit fis closed through the armature 10T of the relay l108 to the yfront contact, which is connected by wire 13'1 to the armature 107B of the busy trunk relay 105 108B shown in dotted'lines infFig. 9. Thu-s, the energizing circuit for the connecting re;l lay 27 of the trunk Bis prepared, so that; the next incoming line upon calling will connected to the trunk; line B in case the 11b trunk line A is still busy at that time. .-Sl soon as the conversation Ais4 completedbef, tween the subscriber colmected. to theline; 7 1 and the subscriber connected to the 74, the non-normaling .switching device 115 which serves to connect the tivo lines*` will be"A restored to normal vby energization of theY rei, storing magnet 26. Y -1 f Y The crcuitffoi; the restoring magnetQ Ifis if; partially prepared bylnovement of'thear-Hf'l mature 132 of the busy trunklrelaylQSa against its `front Contact,l placing upon the vvire 13,8 vand thereby energizing; the release rctarding relay Thegircuit 1,5 for the relay 127 Yier/naiiis closed;Stilltiriigngs2125 the Y sub-station instruments t, are` bridged across the line 71, but when thegreceiversr placed on the hook theisupervisoryf 122 is-vdenergized and t e circuitiof tlrelre-` lease rctanling relay 12 is broken.Y The rei-)i130 la 127 is made slow-acting so that ifthe contact, Wire 138, armature'contact 126 of the supervisory. relay 122, backcontact thereof, armature 139 of the release retarding relay 127 and back contact thereof, through the front contact 115 and armature 114 of the trunk rivate relay 111, through the ,winding 0F the restoring magnet 26, to ground at battery, When the restoring mag. net 26 is energized the shaft 50 bearing the actuating and restoring bar 46 is swung in a y counter-.clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, to depress the handle 42 of the switching-device to destroy the connection a'nd restore theswitching device to normal.. The relay 111 is made slow-acting so that the circuit for` the restoring magnet will remain closed at the contacts 114 and 115 until co1n` plete restoration of the switching-.device is made, even though the circuit of the relay 111 is broken durlngsuch operation. When` the superviso relay 122 releases its farmature.1 28, the amp signal 129 is energized and, as soon as the called subscriber breaks his line circuit the supervisory relay 141. releases its amature 140 and closes a circuit `for the supervisory signal 130.

The operator, upon seeing the two lamp signals l1 hted, removes theV plug 133, from the jack, t ereby'denergizing the busy trunk relay 108 and the cut-oil' relay`13-iLy Both lines and the trunk are 'then free for further selection.

In case the trunk line A were busj,7 when the subscriber at the substation 70 called for alconnection, operation of the line relay 75 to4 break the normally-closed controlling circuit would result in denergization of the group-control relay 101 to place ground 4upon the contact 104, and, as the trunk A is f busy, the ground would extend through the larmature 107, front contact 136, through the wiref137, to the armature 107B of the busy trunk relay 10813 of the trunk B; thence to the back contact 1093arrature 11.0?'ofthe trunk private relay A111B, through the connecting magnet 27B, and 'to ground' at battery. `It can thus be seen that, through, the

' chain cilcuitjestablishedby the relays 108,

thestarting circuit 'of the grounded contact 103 is passed successively on from the trunks 'which have their calling ends busy. to a chain circuit controlled by ithe trunk 'private re-A trunkl correspondi 107 of the relay 108, to the armature 110.

ofthe relay 111, through the front contact 116, through armature -119 and back contact 120 of lthe guarding relay 118,110 the armaturef107Bof the busy trunk relay 108B, and thenceby way of armature -110B to the connecting magnet 27B. Thus, if either the an-A swering or the calling end of the trunk circuit be busy, the starting circuit is extended to the first trunk Awhich has both ends therei of idle. A

. Assume that two lines call for aconneetionin close succession and that these lines are 71 and 72. Assume that the receief of line 71 is `first raised. Line relay75,Y is operated to break the normally c osed. chain starting circuit through the relay 101 at the armature 82 and back `contact 84. This chain circuit remains temporarily open. The line magnet 61 `is next energized to perform a part of the selecting and connecting o' eration. Then the connection through t e operating or connectin mag-` net 27 'is formed andenergized. T 's operates the connecti'ng'magnet 27 of theriirst idle trunk. The successionor .order of selection of the trunks vis determined by the' trunk selection controlling chain circuit which .has previously fbeent traced through the back conta( ts of the armatures of relaysv cuit andby re-completing the'cirmxit4 and oonditioningit for a second operation it restores control of the circuit to each and all `of the incoming lines.

The :relay "11 cuts `olf the control of the normally closed starting circuit over the to said relay and byexthe norma ly `open chain selectin 4l'rcult, this relaywplaees the next idle trun under the control Vof that starting circuit.

The conjoint operation of' these -clrcuits is to secure the desirable result ofv rei-selecting the next idle trunk so th` t it wi be by the next first callingne. `Hence thepre-selectlon of theY next idle trimk Vwill be namens accomplished: ty; the time that 'the `chain startingieneuitgis losed, The chain "stan-,L- ing einen ieeio'sed at Sasse by `:energize` tibii bf tl'ie: colire'spbirding line re'lay when *S1-heaterseperanen'of'ilreaking'thenbrf mally closed starting circuit, operating the line magnets, the connecting magnet and 'the cut-of and private trunk relay is'all performed almost instantaneously and as soon as these operations are performed the chain starting circuit is in condition for o eration by the next calling line, which we ave as-4 sumed in this case 'to be line 72.

Hence if the time between the initiation of a' call by line 71 and the initiation of a call by lline 72 is greater than or equal to the time required to make the connection between line 71 and the rst idle trunk, regular sequence-is secured. If line 72 initiates the callbefore line 71 has been con- Y nected to an idle trunk it awaits the closing of the chain Starting circuit and operates thereafter to open said starting circuit to obtain a connection with the iirst idle trunk.

In the event of any two or more lines initiating a call simultaneously the lines are able to exercise control over the starting circuit in the order in which their line relays 75 are arranged in the series.

Assume that lines 7 2, 73 and 74 all call exliine 72 having its line relay 75 arranged near the ground wire 85 completes its o eration of selecting the first idleitrunk an connectin thereto and then closes the starting circult. Lines 73 and 74 meanwhile await their turn to make a selection and connection as they cannot obtain the ground connection 85 for energizing their line relays 61 or 62 'until the prior line inthe series has made its connection with an idle trunk.

In case line T1 should initiate a call while i line 72 is starting to make a connection with a trunk no interruption can possibly result as the energization of the line relay 62 which Y seen that these serially related line magnets which control the normally closed L starting circuits are so relatedan organized that one ofmthe series cannot arbitrarily assume precedence over another oneV "of `the Iseries eitherfearlieror later 1n the series. Consequently impossible'for incre than one bal-fof n; switching'set to' befoperated ata tmA-d ,fmff v i o. Emergency @rectification mechanism.;

erringen-Cyerfassten-th as-vae fr anni maticaliyrepairingor rcc'tifying the circuits so that Vnorm-al operation may i be' resumed after a faultdevelops in anyV part ofithe aps the ratchet-wheel 148. "0n the vsame shaft with the contacts 145,146 andg 147' 'is' a broad wiping-contact 150, adaptedi to engage the contacts 149` which are arranged in'- a suitable bank adjacent thereto. These con# tacts 149 are connected'by the vWires Uil;` 152, 153 and 154 to thevback armature t'o'-A tacts of the line relaysi'75ofthefliries W1, 72, 73 and 74, respectively. L f

It can be'seen that the nor'rnally-'close`dA series circuit from grbunded jcontatf through the armaturel86; wire Y85', the'if through the armatures'of the various li-ne relays in series, to the Wire 92 and inparalief through the time-limit: relay-"93" and the startin v relay 101, depends for its action upon a reak in the circuit to denergize the starting relay and a make at the armature where the break occursto l'energize a iine'` magnet which, during the act of 'selecting a" switch, locks itself up until the correspond;1

ing cut-oli relay of the incoming line )is energized by the act offimakingconnection from an outgoing or trunk line to"`tha"tl in coming line. i

Assume that the line 72 is callin and that its line relay 75 is energized toivtract Vtlie armature 89, but that Operation. iS'jin'-` complete to thc extent'ithat, although'tireg back contact of the arri'atreisf open, front contact is not clsed. In thfisfc'on il tion the entire group offlines would capacitated and no selectionfcould be, na`dr by any line of the roip Intliis oondi ositvion` f Figi Y10,an

riov

tion the time-,limit re ay 13 'dipis'fits plunger ,l

94 to close the contactsf an'd'g, theieb'i? u energizing the alarm sig'ials and closing! a' circuit through the weire lfthrough'tlie norinally-closed contact 1'57, back'cntci'ot ping magna 169, einen meenemen-ff ifs the magnet 169, to grounded battery, to

initially energize the'stepping-magnet to place the line-wipers and test-wi er 150 upon keeps pace With'the position of the switchechanism. This indicator is 'placed in suitable position in front of an operator at the position containing the multiples EJ 1, EJ 2,

The initial step of the switch-mechanism S breaks the contact 157, which was in the energizin circuit of the switch-starting relay 160,'-t ereby lacing the continued ener- 'zation of the re ay upon-the grounded con- 'tion of the, contacts 149 in the testing-` circuit. That is to say, the stepping-relay` '169 moves the contacts 150 to test back through sections of the series startin circuit to the ground G1. The testing-circuit may be traced\as follows: from grounded battery through the winding of relay 160,

armature 161, wire 164, armature 165 of the" relay 159, Atesting' contact 1150,- through the first contact 149, over the wire 151, to the back contact 84 of the armature 82 of relay 75, through wire 85, through the contacts 86 and 87, to ground at G1. If the back contact closed the testing remains ener ged and the wlper 150Y is stepped forw to the next contact 149 to test over the line 152 to the back contact of G1, as-pre'ylously traced. If, however, as above supposed, -the armature 89 has been withdrawn from its back contactand has failed to make contact with the front armaand the testing-relay 160 denergized, the wiper 150 remainin upon the second contact 149 and the in icator 171 pointing to the numeral corresponding to the line whose line-relay failed to operate correctly. The wipers145, 146 and 147 have been brought upon the contacts 142, 143 and' 144 of the 'line 72, and the cut-'off relay' 172 of theI line 72 is energized `over the third wire 173, 'second contact 144, .wiper 147, amature 1163 of the relay 160 which is nowdener gized, through vthe Winding of the linesignal relay 174, whichattracts'its armature 175 to close a-circuit for the signal lamp 176. The signal lamp* is thus ener ized only when the Wipers of the Aswitch S ave been brought upon the contacts of a disabled or abnormally-functioning line. The operator at this position mayconnect her telephone set 177 to the selected line by means of a suitable key 178 and ma ascertain the connection desired by the ca ling subscriber, and

. complete the connection u on her multiple board by a suitable cord-circuit C. Or she $6 may ascertain the number of the line from .ing thev circuit.

relay 160- armature 89, hack contact 84, to ground at Y ture contact, the above circuit will be broken search for the calling the indicator 171 and plu "tinto the coi-ref spondingrmultiple jack E to ascelfl'dtill the connection desired by the'calling subscriber.

The operation of the automatic switching- 4xrnechanisn Sin finding the disabled line or the point in the seresstarting circuit at which the breakoccurred, places a suitable ground upon the terminals of the break, s0

Vthat other incoming calling lines may have access to selectable trunks or outgoing lines during the time thatthe disability-'exista `lJVhen the armature 161 of the 'relay 160 drops bask it placesground upon the testwiper 1501i restore the'series startingfcircuit for the remainder of the ro'up of lines.

h If the break 1n the series starting-circuit was due' to the impropervaction of one ofthe line relays, energization of the corresponding cut-ofi' relay will restore the line relay to normal, dener 'zed condition, thus closr he operator at the einer.- gcncy Y ositionnotes the number of the disabledllne andreport's'the same so that repairs may be made at once. The switch-- lng-mechanism S is restored to normal only when the o rator' depresses the restoring key 179.V his\ ener izes the relay `159,

which locks up over t e follovi'in circuit:

rounded battery, through the Winding of t e relay 159,.front contac t,'armature 180,

`nd thence over the wire 152 to` the armatu e' 90 of the next line relay to wire 181, off-normal contact 182, to ground.- The energzation of the relay' 159 closes an energizing circuit for the 4starting relay 160 from grounded contact 'to thearmature 158 of the relay. 159, through the winding of the starting relay 160, to grounded battery.

And the relay A160 closes the stepping or motor circuit. for the switch to .bring the switch back to normal position, where the4r off-normal. contact 182 is broken and the normal contact 157 is established. The

Switch i's then ready for another' selection. r I findit convenient to employv this selective mechanism for handling the entire. volum'e of switching during periods when the switching load "is 1ightsuch as at night and on holidays. When the system is to be thus employed to make `@directions between subscribers at the emergency operators position, the main 'battery switch 99 is opened to disconnect the line-magnets 61,

62,etc. As aA result the controlling bar56 is not shifted and the multiple .operating link is not placed in position to operate one of the switching devices for making a 'sci lection. As no selection and connection with a trunk is made, the cut-off relay of that 4line is not energized'and the 'brea'kin the starting-circuit continuesito thepoint where-'the time-limit relay l93 releases its plunger tostart the selecting switch S ia l line. 'upon finding the calling line, operates the The switch,

" tlalli' eygld lathene. the opclator,I in a i: malteA uo 11299513.fixatiecalling.limito mettais the `desirs eennvftlel 011the.@aanneming.ses lling ,line timuitliefuigl;

f .y pf the ca, ing ine, or may apprise her assistant ofthenumber ot the calling line.'

im the contact 183. energization of the connect- 89, which Know attracted. over the wire ing mae'net 2T is dependent upon prior energ'liat'ioh of the hue magnet of the calling` 'isisiine"thattllliilinc T2 becomes a calling zg. line, thekline relay T5 is energized to attract its afiiittufe '89."aid its line magnet 02 is nover tlreiolloiving circuit: ground Gmjfolttacts 89 anidST of the relay 88.` wire Sfalnutture 82,"liack contact 8l, armature (Ziftothe't'olirnon batterxv wire 98 and' thence to ground at battery. B v voperation ofthe"rela v"6'..5 the controlling bar 5G is 3 5 siriloi a=clockwise direction and the. grounded-contact springs (i0 are connected tott'he' tirol-51 toy lock the magnet (32 in a"'closefd c1'rcuit.'\tfluch maydnow bertraeed fronr the grounded contact springs to ,470 the wire 151, armature 89, wire 184, winding vof Vthe magnet '62 and to ground at battery overthe eonimon bus-bar 98.. The arlnature contact 60also places ground uponv thevv common bus-liar 100 of the group-congt'n, trolling? rela v-88 t'o break circuit from the ground G1 at the springs 86 and 87 and connect wire 85 to vwire 185 at springs 86 and 2i-Xssumerthattlie trunk line A is not bus)v 50 and is therefore in condition to' selected.

"1`l1e= crcuit-tor the connecting magnet 27 islthen formed as follows: F rom .common battery through the winding of the magnet 27,*tithe back contact 112. armature contact magnet '2T of the first idle truuk line.

to the win magnet 2i', back ycontact 112, armature 110 offsthe relaj 11,1,` back contact 109 of the trolling-switch 100, to the contact 18T and thence to ground. The first calling line, which operates the starting-circuit, will then be connected to the truuk line A, which has :relay 108, armature 10T, through the con- 7S its connecting magnet '2T energized. 80

In Figs. 5, G and 7 I have illst'rateda modification of the switch in whicli,iilistead of employing rotary motion 0f tltecontrol ling members, I employ rectilinear'motion.

The switching mechanism is mounted in a,

by the angle-bars 196 and' 197, and the posts 90 193 and 194 by the angle-bar 198. The electrical switches and circuits of the switchingme'chanism shown inl Figs o. 6 and T is pre-i cisely the same as that shown 1n Figs.. 1 t0 4, inclusive.` this modification being merely a diil'erent mechanical manner in which to carl-5` out the invention. The various groups of switching-terminals are mounted in a block ot' insulation in themanncr previously` described, and the non-restoring switching devices are substantiall)v identical with those described in connection `with Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive. The base-plate 199 upon which the switching-devices are mounted, is formedv of a plate of sheetanetal having upturned edges 200, which are secured by suitable bolts 201 to the corner posts. The common oper ating bar 46 of the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2 'is replaced in this modification by a pair of bars 202 and 203. which are substantiall)V identical and which are adapted to eugag'e through the. inter 'ention of a suitable` operating link` QOlQwhich corresponds to the, operating links of the previous modification.l The multiple operating link 20-t' is provided with lateral extensions Q05 and 7 v 206, which are adapted to be moved into position whereby thel operating spur 207 on` theoperating bar 202 or Q03 will engage the ani,t

whiea is adapted to be shifted bodily to one side or the otherrby the line magnets Glor 62 of the incoming line circuits. This controlling bar 209 is slotted adjacent its end, at` 210, to receive a headed screw 211, which .maintains the bar inproper alinement. At

ally mounted upon the base-plate 199 andA a suitable bracket 215. which may beformed by striking up the metal as shown in Fig. 7. The magnet 61 is also mounted upon a struck-up lug 216, so that the base-plate may,

serve as part of thereturn magnetic, circuit for the magnet. The bar 209 is also slotted at 217 to receive the lug l-'l forlimitin the movemen-t of'the non-'restoring switc iingdevices. The-armaturebars 213 and 214 are provided with suitable pins 218 for pressing the grounded springs 60 against the contact springs 68, 69, which are mounted in ablock of insulationV 219 upon the baseplatel 199. The operating and restoring bars 202 and 203. are mounted upon the ends of pivotcd :Ears 219 and 220. The pivoted bar 220 is ounted` adjacent the restoring magnet 26. which serves to move the bars 202 and 203 downward for the vpurpose of restoring the switching-device that may have been in connected position. This bar 220 is pivoted on a knife-ed e 221 formed on the upper edge of the angIe-baillQ'. An adjustable spring 222 Vis secured to the. end of the bar 220 and serves to counterbalance the weight of the pivoted bar and the actuatingbais 202 and 203. The upper bar 219. is mounted upon a similar knife-edge 223, upon which it is held by a suitable keeper-spring 224.

In thismodification the incoming line magnetl or 62 of the calling line is first energized t0 place the multiple operating links between the operating spur 20T and the tails or handles 42 of the. appropriate row of switching devices. Thereafter-through the various start-ing and selecting mechanisms, the appropriate operating magnet 2T of an idle trunk or outgcingiline is ener@ gized, whereby the switching# device is moved to circuit-closing position. a The coniinon cont-rolling bar 209 is normally held in neutral position by the springs 260. and the oderating and restoring bars 202 and 203 are held in neutral position by the counterbal ancing spring 222 and the spring 225. which is,sccured to the upper angle-bar 196.

The operating circuits in which the modication shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 'i' may be employed .are indicated and described in connection with Figs. 8. 9and 10. It can be seen from'the above that I have means therefor provided a switchinginechanisni of com-,

pact 'and economical structure `which is adapted for convenience and low cost of manufacture and lip-keep.

The contactbanks and the switching devices are readily I one of the-'NX M number of 'possible connection was to emp/ley M plus N operating barsv or devices. In accordance with my invention, the number ot' operating bars need only be N plus Ad or M plus E' .It can also be seen that 1- have provided nove1 ineclianism and circuits for prevent# ing simultaneous operation of the4 switch'- 'ing-devices.

I have also provided a novel form of starting-circuit in the noruially-closed chain circuit which is guarded b v the time-limit relay, which guards the system against dis-V arrangement.

fluit I claim as newV anddesire toprotect b v Letters 'Patent i of the United States is:

1. In combination, switching devices arranged in groups of two planes, actuating means therefor comprising an operating element common to a group of devices in one plane. a multiple controlli-ng element common t0 plurality of groups of devices in another plane. and multiple operating links connecting said multiple controlling element with said operating element to actuatev any desired switching-device.

2; In combination, switching devices arranged li groups in'a pluralityof planes. actuating devices therefor comprising an operating element common to a group of devices in one plane, Va multiple controlling element common to a plurality of groups of switching-devices in another plane, multiple operating links connecting said multiple controllingl clement and said operating element to operate anv predetermined one of said switching devices, and means to oper# ate said operating element to restore said switching devices.

3. In combination. switching devices arranged in groups in two planes. actuating comprising an operating element common to a group ot' devices in' one plane.. a multiplecontrolling element common to a plurality 0f groups of devices in another plane. and multiple operating links connected to said controlling element' and meansl to operate said controlling de vice to eausesaid multiple operating links to connect the operating element with any one of said group of switching-devices.

ing lines. switchi11g-devices for interconnecting said` lines, operating elements in one plane equal in number to the incoming lines. f .operating elements in another plane less in number than the outgoing lines, and means to actuate said operating elementsl to cause said.switching-devices -to make connection between anyone of said incomingl lilies and an idle yone of saidv outgoing lines. I

5-.'I.n combination, a group of lines". a

second-group of' lines, switching-devices for interconnecting: ,said lines, operating elements in one plane equal in number to the f-rst group of lines. operating elements in another plane lessfin number than the sec- 'ondgionp of lines. and means t0 actuate saidfoperating elements concurrently to causefsaid;switching-devices to-make connecwiombetween angvcidesired one of said first 5 ,group of lines and an idle ont` of said secondgroup of lines.

ti.. In combination, a first group ot' lines, a second 'group of lines, a switch-bank conntfain in; r terminals for said lines, switchingdevices for interconnecting said terminals, operating elements in one plane equal in number to the first group of lilies. operating elements in another plane less in number than the second group of lines, and means to\actuate.said operating elements concurrently to cause `said switching-devices to make connection between an),r one of said first` group of lines and a desired one of said second group-of? lines.

40. 'i'. In combination, a first group of lines, a second group tifliiies. switching-devices for interconnectingr said lines, operating ele ments in one plane equal in number to the i first group of lilies. operating elements in another )lane equal in number to one-half the number of the second group of lines, and means to actuate said operating elements concurrently to cause said switching-devices f to make connection between any one of said first group of lines and a desired one of said second group of lines.

f S. In combination, a first group of lines, a second grou) ofjlines. switching-devices grot 'jjelf-rest)ring for,` interconnecting said b5 lines, operating elements in one plane equal in number to ithe first group of lines. operatingi'elements in another"p anc less in number I"thanthe secondgrmip ofrlines. means gto u'tlnlaftesaid operating elements concurrcntljxtcr cause lsaid switching-devices to malte'connection between anv one .of said firstwgroup of lines and `a esired4 one of said second group of linesand means to actuate said'first operating element to positively` restore said switching-devices to normal. t Y p i). In` combmanon, a first group of lines, a second group of lines, switchmg-devlces not` .self-restoring for interconnecting said lines, operatingr elements in one'plane equal in number to the first group of lines, operatingr elements in another plane less in number than the second group of lines, means to actuate said operating element concurrently to cause said switching-devices Vto make connection between anv one of said first group ,of lines and a desired one of said second group of lines, and n'ieans to actuate one of said operating' elements singly to restore said switching-devices to normal.

10. In combination. switchingdevices which are not self-restoring, movable bars,

operating links controlled by common op eration of said bars to actuate said switching-devices.

11. InA combination, switching-devices` which are not self-restoring, movable bars.v

operating linkscontrolled by conjoint op-,.

eration of said bars to move said switchingdevices to closed-circuit position, and means for actuating one of said movable bars to move said sitching-devices to open-circuit position.' A

12. In combination. switching-devices which are not self-restoring, movable bars, operating links controlled by conjoint operation of said bars to move said switchingdevices from their normal positions. and electro-magnetic means for moving one of said movable bars to restore said switchingdevices to normal` position.

13. Ih combination switching devices, a set .of bars movable in one direction, a second set of bars movable in another direction. operating links on one of said sets of bars, said links controlled b v conjoint operation of said movable bars to actuate said switching-devices.

14. In combination. switching-devices which are not self-restoring, a set of bars movable in one direction. a second set of bars movable in another direction, operating links on one of said sets of bars, said links` controlled b v joint operation of said movable bars to actuate said switching-devices. and electro-magnetic means for actuating the bars of onesct toi-estore said switching-device to normal.

V1:`i.In combination. stationary terminal pairs. switching-devices not self-restoring for each pair. a4 set of movable operatinfe` bars. a second set of operating bars at an angle to said first bars. and an operating link movable b v conjoint operation of said bars toy operate said switching-devices.

\ VIn com binatiou. j stationary terminal pan-s. switching-devices not self-restoring for cach pair. a group of movable bars,

ing-devices.

17. In combination, stationar f terminal pairs, switching-devices not self-restoring for each pair, a O'roup of movable bars, a second group of lliars at an angle to said 1o 'first bars, an operating link on each of said second set of bars for operating a plurality of switchinU-clevices, and means for moving the bars oli said First set to restore sai switching-devices.

18. In combination, a plurality of switchingdevices arranged in groups and rows, an operating bar foreach group, and an operating bar at an angle to said first bar for a lurality of rows.

19. n combination, a plurality oflswitch- -ing-devices arranged ingroups and rows, an operating bar 'for each group, and an operating bar at an angle to said first bar for tWo`of said rows.

20. In combination, a plurality of switching-devices arranged in groups and rows, an operatingbar for each group, an operat- Yar at an angle to said rst bar for a 'plurality of rows, and an operating link movable by conjoint operation of said bars tooperate a desired one of a plurality of Vvjiitching-device s in said rows. :21. In a telephone switch, switching-devicesQnot self-restoring, sets 'of rotatable d, bars, said switching-devices being remote from said bars, and means for rotating u.

of each set to actuate said switching-de- `22 JIfn a telephone switch, sets of rota- .table bars, switching-devices not self-restoring,remote from said bars, means for rotating abar of each set to actuate said switching-devices, and means for rotating one of said bars singlyfor restoring said switch- Iing-devices.

23. In a telephone switch, sets of rotatable bars', stationary contact terminals remote from said bars, switching-devices not selfrestoi'ing for connecting said stationary teru-m'nals and means for rotating a bar of each set to' actuate said switching-devices.

' 24.2LIn combination, sets of rotatable bars, vstationary` contact terminals remote from .said bars,`switcliing-devices not self-rester- A ing for connecting said terminals, means lfor rotating a bar of cach set to aetuate said non-restoring' switching-devices, and .means for rotating one of said bars singly for re- Astpring said switching-devices:- 25. In combination, sets of-rotatable bars, tationary contacts, switching-devices not lf-restoring for interconnecting said-contacts, means whereby the rotationotl a bar of each set \`\'ill"actuate one of said switch- Leemans switching-devices not self-restoring for iii-- terc'onnecting said contact-terminals, and

operating links controlled by conoint operation of a bar of each set in any desired order to operate one of said switching-devices.

27. In combination. sets of rotatable hars, the bars of one set being at an angle to those of the other set, stationary contact-terminant,

corresponding to each of said bars. switching-devices not self-restoring for interconnectiii said stationary contact-terminals, operating links operable by conjoint operation of said Irotatable bars in any order to sc'tuate 'said non-restoring switching-devices.

28. In combination, sets of rotatable bars, the bars of'one-se't being ut an angle to those of the other set, stationary contactterminals corresponding to each of said bars, switching-devices not self-restoring for interconnecting saidl stationary contactterminals, operating links operable by conjoint' operation of said rotatable bars in any order to actuate said non-restoring switching-devices, and means for actuating the bars 0f one set to restore said switching-devices to in number, and operating bars for said switching-devices, said operating bars being less in number than M p ns N.

30. 'In combination, a group of -M lines, a

group of N lines, switching-devices MXN` in number, a group of operating barsV MY in number, and a second group of operating bars l; in number, the bars of said groups being 'operable conjointly to actuatev a switching-device to interconnect desired ones of said lines.

31. In combination, a group of lines. aiseeond group of lines, a plnralit f of switchingdevices, said switching-devices being arranged in rows corresponding to the number of said first group and being arranged in tiers corresponding in number to said second group, a set of operating bars, one foreach tier,- and a second set of operating bars, one for a plurality of rows. said operating bars' being conjoin'tly operable to aotuate saidA switching-devices.

32. In combination, a group of lines, u sec-i ondA group of lines. al plurality of switchingdevices` said switching-devices being ar-4 switching-devices.

said devices inattesa one for eacli tier, and a set of operating bars, one forja plurality of rows, and operating` links on the bars of said second set, said links being operable by conjoint operation of the barsof each group to actuate said 33. In' combination, a group of lines, a second group vof lines, a plurality of switching-devices, said switching devices being arm ranged in rows corresponding in number to the number of said first group, and in tieis corresponding in numberl to the number ot" @he Second group, a set of operating bars one each tier, a secondA set of operating bars ..6 one for a plurality of rows, operating links` on the bars of one set, said links operable iby joint actuation of bars from each set to l,actuate said. non restoring switching de- Yices, and means to operate the bars of one t t0 restore said non-restoring switchingdevices to normal.

34. In combination, a group of lilies, ar

second group of lines, a plurality of switch- `insg-devices forl interconnecting said lines,

beine` arranged'in rows corr#- sponding in number to the number of said irst group, and in tiers corresponding in fi'uniber to the number of the second group, a set of operating bars one for each tier, a

30 second set of operating bars, one for a plurality of rows, operating links controlled by conjoint operation of said bars for operating Said switching-devices, liiie-controlled magnets corresponding in number to the first ,5, -group of lilies, and line-magnets correspondmg in number to said second group of lines,

said line-magnets controlling the operating bars of their respective sets.

35. In combination, a group 'of lines, a second group of lines, aplurality of non- Yrestoring switching-devices, said switchingdevices bein r arranged in rows corresponding in nunilfier to the number of said first group, and in tiers corresponding in numher to the number of said second group, a set of operating bars one for eacli tier, a set of operating ars one for a plurality of rows, operating links actuated by conjoint operation of bars from each set, line-controlled magnets correspond ing in number to the iirst set of operating bars, and lineiiiagnets for the second set of bars equal in number to the other group of lines, and restoring magnets to actuate said first setof bars to restore said switching-devices to normal. Y

36. In combination, a plurality ot' sets of movable bars. means for holding said bars in neutral position, means for moving said bars to each side of neutral position, and switchingdevices actuated by conjoint movement of said bai-s hom neutral position.

37. In combination` a plurality of sets of ybars 0f they other set on either side o f neuf,

rotatable bars, spring means for holding said bars in neutral position, electro-magnetic means for'rotating said bars' toeacli l side ot' neutral position, and switching-,devices actuated byconjoint movement of said bars from neutral positioi'i.

38. In combination, a'plurality'of Sets of m movable bai's, means for holding said bars. in neutral position, means for moving `said y. bars to each side of neutralposition, switchi ing-devices operable to close contactyby cou- ]oint movement of the bars of one set on one side of neutral position, `and-to the tra] position.' 1

i -i 39, In combination, a plurality'ofgsetsof `8A rotatable bars, spring means or `holding said bai-s in neutral position, electro-maas' n etic means for rotating said bars to each side of neutral position, switching devices, operable to ,a close contact `by conjoint yLrota- 'tion `of the/bars of one set on onefsideibt,` neutral, and of the bars off the'eother.v setolll i either side of neutral. i 40, In combination, a plurality of sets of` r movable bars, means for liolding-saidlibais, in neutral position, meansnfor'nioyingffsaidf, bars to each side of neutral positiomwswitchs i: ing-devices operable to close contact by con-i joint movement of the bars of, one stson es one side of neutral, and ofi-:the bars of therother set on either side iifiiei`itral,f:a.nd means to more the bars otsaidoiie` set-ita@ the other side of iieutl'aliftopa'estore said!"k switching-devices. ii- 'i f .7 i sa? 4:1. In combination, a plurality of-setsof "100 movable, bars, means for holding fsilidbiriis; in neutral position, meansformov-ing. said,E` bars to each side of neutral posi-tion, swift-.lning devices, operatingliiiksconnected to-ba'1s.. rof one set, said links bcingiactuated Ybyconjoint movement of the eoi'resimndiiigibirs i to either side of neutral, aind'ni-oveimai'tfioif'z bai's of the other s et to oire side. ofl Iig-uitrol` to actuate said sn'itcliingaleificesr" 1 42. In combination, a )li-rilrityof incoinwuo ing lines, a plurality oli outgoing'lines; aff line relay for each incoming lineman-nots; niaILY-cIose/d starting circuit ,conitrolledfbyV each of said relays, a siaitcgljiing magnet fo'rf 1,' each outgoing line, said si'itcliing-iiiagnets 115 being controlled by said startingcircuits;A4 'f i3. In combin'ation, a Jlurirl'ity of i-inebiii-I "1;, ing lilies, aplurality ot. outgoingji;disait,af f line relay for each incoming? linden-'parare er in ally-closed. ,starting-circuit"l controlled by "120 `each of said relays, a switch-ing'magnetforfi a line relayfforeach incoming line,.anor

niallyfclosed starting-circuit eontrolletl by-r eaeli -ofsaid relays, a switcliingfmagnet for i 5 

